Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryProverbs 23

CHAPTER 23

Pr 23:1-35. 1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.

2. put a knife--an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.

3. are deceitful meat--though well tasted, injurious.

4-5. (Compare 1Ti 6:9, 10). thine own wisdom--which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.

6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted. evil eye--or purpose (Pr 22:9; De 15:9; Mt 6:23).

9. (Compare Pr 9:8). "Cast not your pearls before swine" (Mt 7:6).

10-11. (Compare Pr 22:22, 23).

12. Here begins another series of precepts.

13-14. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.

15-16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.

17-18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.

19-21. guide ... way--or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Pr 4:4; 9:6).

22. Hearken--that is, obey (Pr 1:8; Ep 6:1). despise ... old--Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.

23. Buy--literally, "get" (Pr 4:5). truth--generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.

24-25. (Compare Pr 10:1; 17:21, 25).

26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Ho 4:11). give me--This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented (Pr 8:1; 9:3, &c.). heart--confidence. observe--keep. my ways--such as I teach you (Pr 3:17; 9:6).